Samir Bannout, Mr. Olympia 1983, nicknamed “The Lion of Lebanon,” is a retired professional bodybuilder. He was the first Arab to win the Mr. Olympia title in 1983. Samir Bannout had a successful career in professional bodybuilding, winning titles, including Mr. Olympia, Mr. World, and Pittsburgh Pro Invitational.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1955, Bannout started training at 14. He quickly made a name for himself in the Lebanese bodybuilding scene. In 1975, he won his first major title, Mr. Lebanon. He then moved to the United States to pursue his professional career.
Bannout’s Olympia-winning physique in 1983 was so impressive that it became known as “The Lebanese Dynasty.” His tiny waist, full Delt development, and wide lats set him apart from the competition and established him as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
In retirement, Bannout has remained in fitness and owns a gym in Dearborn, Michigan. He is also a spokesperson for several fitness companies.
Accomplishments
- The first Middle Eastern bodybuilder to win Mr. Olympia.
- The only bodybuilder to defeat eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney in a Mr. Olympia contest.
- He was the only bodybuilder to have won Mr. Olympia as his first professional bodybuilding title.
- The last Mr. Olympia to weigh under 200 lbs.
Diet and Workout Routine
Bannout says his diet is not too different from when competing: He ate clean all year round. His daily diet consists of chicken, rice, broccoli, fish, other protein sources, and vegetables. Bodybuilders eat the same. The best exercise more discipline than the rest. Jay Cutler said there are no secrets in bodybuilding, which is true. It all comes down to execution and genetics.
As for his training routine, Bannout uses a 4-day split: chest/back/shoulders/arms one day, legs the next day, followed by a day of rest. This cycle repeats for four weeks before taking a week off to let his body recover.
When asked about his favorite exercise, Bannout doesn’t hesitate to answer: “Definitely the squat! I’ve always loved doing heavy squats.” He advises aspiring bodybuilders to focus on compound exercises like the squat and deadlift rather than isolation exercises like bicep curls and tricep extensions.
The Last Word on Samir Bannout 1983 Mr. Olympia
Samir Bannout is a true pioneer in the sport of professional bodybuilding. He was the first Arab to win the Mr. Olympia title, and his iconic physique has inspired generations of bodybuilders since then. Even though he’s retired from competition, Bannout remains active in fitness through coaching and promoting fitness. If you’re looking to get into shape or want to take your training to the next level, following Samir Bannout’s tips will help you achieve your goals!
